Durban Police Sergeant Killed
By Benny Khumalo
A Durban police sergeant, along with two other suspects, was fatally shot during a series of dramatic confrontations with law enforcement in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday afternoon. The police sergeant’s unexpected involvement in a string of armed robberies has shocked the community, raising concerns about criminal activity within the police force itself.
Robbery and Shootout Unfold in Richmond
According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident began when a group of six suspects, some disguised in police uniforms, stormed a store in Richmond early Sunday morning. The assailants held the shop owner and employees at gunpoint, seizing firearms, cash, and other valuables before fleeing the scene in two vehicles.
The robbers, not knowing that intelligence operatives were monitoring their movements, led police to a residence on Mgwenya Avenue in Lindelani. As the officers arrived at the location, the suspects attempted to escape, firing at the police. In the ensuing gunfight, two suspects were killed on the spot. The assailants were found wearing police headgear, and one had a police-issued firearm and bulletproof vest. Inside the house, another bulletproof vest and a police raincoat were discovered, along with a vehicle registered to a police officer who had just completed a night shift at the KwaMashu police station.
Shocking Discovery of Police Involvement
The situation took a further twist when police received information about an injured police officer hiding in a shack at the Phindangene informal settlement in Ntuzuma B. Upon arrival, the officers encountered the police sergeant, who opened fire on them. In the resulting shootout, the sergeant was fatally wounded. The investigation revealed that the sergeant owned the firearm found in possession of the suspect at the initial crime scene and was also the registered owner of the vehicle recovered at the scene.
The house in Lindelani where the suspects were found is reportedly linked to a known cash-in-transit robbery suspect who is currently out on bail. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the sergeant’s involvement in this and possibly other crimes, as well as any connections between the suspects.
Police Response and Community Reaction
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, emphasized that the SAPS is committed to rooting out corruption within its ranks. “We fight crime from within, and those who betray the badge will face the full force of the law,” he said.
The community’s reaction to the incident has been mixed, with some expressing shock and disappointment over the involvement of a police officer in criminal activities, while others praised the SAPS for their swift and decisive action in handling the situation. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified to ensure a transparent investigation, particularly given the involvement of a police officer in the shootout.
Ongoing Manhunt for Remaining Suspects
Authorities are continuing the manhunt for the three remaining suspects who managed to evade capture during the shootout. The police have urged anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to come forward, offering assurances of confidentiality. The Crime Stop hotline (08600 10111) is open for tips, and a substantial reward has been suggested for information leading to arrests.
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